Cafe faces closure over drugs and disorder

The fate of a cafe at the centre of several serious disorder incidents is due to be decided at a meeting later.

Cafe Nos Terra, in Norwich Road, Ipswich, is facing closure after Suffolk Police recommended its licence be suspended.

It follows the discovery of drugs at the venue and an incident in which a police officer was put in a headlock.

Its future is due to be discussed and decided by Ipswich Borough Council’s licencing and regulatory sub-committee.

The venue, owned by Carla Alexandra Melo de Sousa, has been described by police as “a serious local issue”, with a reputation for drug use and supply.

It came under scrutiny after a serving police officer fell victim to an assault, which remains under investigation, on 5 October, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Sgt Mason Blanchard was placed in a headlock by a staff member while trying to break up a fight involving about 10 people.

In his witness statement, he said: “As I grabbed hold of one male who had another in a headlock, I felt a forearm across my throat applying pressure and another arm around my waist.

“I was dragged from the group with continuing pressure around my upper body and throat, and pushed backwards towards one of the cafés.”

The officer said he used “proportionate and the most minimal” force to gain control over the man, while members of the public tried to prevent his arrest.

Less than a week later, on 10 October, the site was subject to a search warrant during which officers found a male staff member in possession of a small bag of cannabis.

They also discovered another male customer with several bags of cannabis, a wrap of cocaine and two mobile phones, one of which was a "burner".

During the search, officers found a cannabis grinder and digital scales next to the coffee machine and two steak knives in the basin cabinet of the toilets.

In the function room, there was also a cubbyhole containing a mattress, sleeping bags and documents for different people.

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